Now Commenting On:

Cardinals' home opener ceremony to honor Musial

Family, friends and fans say goodbye to Stan Musial at the Cardinals legend's funeral and a ceremony at Musial's statue at Busch Stadium

By Jenifer Langosch
/
MLB.com |

SAN FRANCISCO -- The Cardinals' home opener -- while always dotted with pomp and circumstance, the Budweiser Clydesdales and a spotlight on the organization's storied history -- will, this year, also serve as a tribute to Stan Musial. The Hall of Famer Musial, who played 22 years for the Cardinals and then remained an active member of the St. Louis community, died in January. He was 92.

Before Monday's home opener against the Reds, the Cardinals will dedicate a wall marker to Musial in left-center field. The marker, which will be unveiled by Musial's four children, stands to be the centerpiece of the Opening Day ceremonies.

As has become tradition, Cardinals players, coaching staff and the organization's Hall of Famers will be introduced in Busch Stadium via a Ford motorcade. The national anthem will then be performed by members of the Gateway Harmonica Club of St. Louis. This, too, is a nod to Musial, who was an honorary member of the club.

Former Cardinals Jason Isringhausen and Jim Edmonds are slated to throw out the ceremonial first pitch. The on-field ceremonies are scheduled to begin 45 minutes before the scheduled 3:15 p.m. CT first pitch.